January USDA data shows pork exports during the month were led by another strong performance in Mexico, the number one market for American pork. Pork also made gains in other Western Hemisphere and Asia-Pacific destinations.

Pork exports reached 241,424 metric tons in January, six percent higher than a year ago. Export value rose six percent to $682.1 million.

“Mexico’s demand for U.S. pork is so spectacular that it can overshadow some of the other great success stories,” says U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom.

U.S. beef exports were slightly behind last year’s volume, but export value trended significantly higher. Beef exports totaled 99,764 metric tons, one percent lower than last year. Beef export value rose nine percent to $763.8 million.

January exports of U.S. lamb totaled 303 metric tons, up 28 percent from a year ago.